An Oklahoma teenager, Jesse Mack Butler, accused of violently assaulting and strangling two girls, has walked free without serving prison time after completing a youthful offender rehabilitation plan, a decision that has ignited fury from the District Attorney. Butler, who was 17 when charged as an adult with 10 felony counts including attempted rape, rape by instrumentation, sexual battery, forcible oral sodomy, and strangulation, pleaded no contest to all charges. While sentences of up to 10 years were pronounced, the judge placed him under the supervision of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs. After court reviews indicated compliance with his rehabilitation plan, prosecutors announced they would not seek transfer to the Department of Corrections. As Butler turned 19, the court’s jurisdiction expired, leading to the automatic dismissal of the case. The situation escalated during the final hearing when the defense attorney controversially suggested Butler was innocent and victimized by the charges. Newly elected District Attorney Jeremiah Gregory vehemently condemned these claims as insincere and an affront to the victims, stating, “Nothing has made my blood boil more.” Citing constitutional protections against double jeopardy, Gregory announced his office will refer the matter to federal authorities for review, vowing to remain a strong voice for victims of violent crime, though no federal charges have yet been announced.
Adapted from: U.S. News Today on Fox News